resentment gone bad

Do we really want to be rid of our resentments, our anger, our fear? Many of us cling to our fears, doubts, self-loathing or hatred because there is a certain distorted security in familiar pain. It seems safer to embrace what we know than to let go of it for fear of the unknown.

                                                   (Narcotics Anonymous Book/page 33)

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.”

                                                    Ann Landers

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if there was anything Jesus taught his disciples,

it was to travel light

as he sent them forth

to “proclaim the Kingdom”

to be good news he said

“Take nothing for your journey,”

Just a staff, and sandals

That is truly packing light

Perhaps he knew

with that Sacred wisdom

that if they had possessions they would be

protective and fearful

Perhaps he knew that if they carried too much

It would slow them down

Perhaps he wanted the vulnerable and needy

people dependent

so they would be humble and not smug

people able to both reach out and receive

are something special in this world

and rare

and it is those people who can truly

with divine vulnerability

share divine love

So “travel light” Jesus insisted

So “travel light” Jesus insists

We see the problem everyday

Those people heavy laden with their possessions

Who plot and plan

Who buy Senators and Representatives?

Who worry over the stock market

and do all they can to not only hug their wealth

to their hungry souls

but gather more, and more, and more

because for them there is never enough

We see people

Clamoring for a wall

Fearful that if needy people arrive

With only sandals

And makeshift water jug

And walking stick

They might have a little less

This fearfulness is no respecter of persons

From the richest to the poorest

It can permeate souls

Your soul

My soul

All souls

So Jesus said,

Travel light

Carry only what you really need

Rely on each other

Take care of each other

Give and receive

Create community

And the Kingdom will come

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Of course it is not just material possession that hinder us

No, there is so much more

Resentment

Fear

Anger

So……

(to be continued)